Guide to Our Reviews and Ratings:

Our rating system is the standard 5 star rating system:

5 = exceptional

4 = excellent

3 = good

2 = fair

1 = poor

CNF = If the problems in a book are such that a reviewer is unable to finish it, the book will be given to another reviewer to read. If both reviewers are unable to finish the book, it will receive the rating of “CNF” or “Could Not Finish”

We also rate the "Steam" or sex factor so readers can enjoy whatever level they are most comfortable with. The criteria is as follows:

1 Steam Kettle = Nothing but kisses

2 Steam Kettles = Passionate kissing,

3 Steam Kettles = Sex but the door is closed

4 Steam Kettles = Slightly steamy sex with some description

5 Steam Kettles = Steamy sex with somewhat graphic description

Those books receiving a 4.5 or a 5 star review will also be awarded the "Crowned Heart" for excellence. This symbol will be seen beside the review in the magazine.

The Most Wonderful Earl of the Year

Sandra Sookoo pair of supporting women who care more about the happiness of the main characters than what the gossips have to say. It’s always delightful to Sind characters who support the main love interests for no reason other than they want them to be happy and in love. If readers are looking for a love story that reminds one that forgiveness is a big part of love, then this is deSinitely the right book!

Valerie Vicars

unwed, must choose between the gardener or Percy to marry to keep her safe. Once Briar makes her decision, the love and respect for this good man she chose grows as they combat the challenges that come before them - one being a secret the Scot is holding close to his heart.

For Sive years, Carole Hazelton has worked as a governess, desperately trying to distance herself from the scandal that rocked the ton - and her life. Alistair Forsythe has recently returned to London after a Sive year absence, and Sinds himself shocked to learn that the woman he loved and left is now working as a governess. Alistair is determined that it’s time to marry, and has set his mind on winning back the heart of the woman he never stopped loving. Should Carole give him a chance, listen to his reasons for breaking her heart, or just continue on with the new life she has built? Can Carole give her broken heart another chance at love, or did Alistair destroy any chance with her when he left her behind?

This story is full of all the hot gossip and scandalous happenings that readers have grown to expect from historical romances, while still giving the reader an enjoyable new story to dive into. The author relies on the standard scandals and gossip that seem to always happen when love and titles are involved, so there’s nothing particularly new about that aspect, but she shows us a nice

Lady Briar Weds the Scot (Blakely Manor Book 1)

Fenna Edgewood

Lady Briar, a kindhearted, polished, beautiful, and strong young woman of status, has a mind of her own – with absolutely no intention of marrying. Wren, the Scottish gardener, has caught her interest, and she asks him to escort her multiple times to visit a family that has found themselves in a difSicult time. Wren and Lady Briar Sind themselves the victims of a kidnapping, along with Percy, whom Briar refused to marry just days before. Stuck in the carriage with emotions running high, Briar, being

Readers who enjoy Victorian Romance, will have scored with this novel! Readers will enjoy the romance between Briar and Wren, and the desire they have for each other. The storyline Slows well, though sometimes seems a little confusing and incomplete. Transitions are at times abrupt. Readers may Sind the Sirst section of the story disconnected from the rest of the book. The journey to Scotland is well written, Silled with adventure, love, desire, and change. The reader will Sind Wren swoon-worthy, and Briar is strong and a fabulous Sit for Wren. As the book closes, some readers may Sind the ending somewhat unsatisfying, and turning the last page leaves one with questions that aren’t answered. Readers who enjoy this genre will enjoy disappearing into the world this author created.

Heather Kroll

Last Stop, Wylder

Barbara Bettis sugar will enjoy this uncomplicated plot with minor conSlict and a ton of sexual tension. The characters themselves do not necessarily grow individually as they gravitate toward one another, but the hints readers get at their backstories give a bit of depth to the main leads and touch on some historical events that are less talked about. Overall, readers looking for a lighter Western romance with a touch of history should give this book a try!

Sarah E Bradley

Morgan Dodd has spent years building a reputation as a gunman for hire after the war. Unfortunately, this has placed him in a few awkward positions. As time passes, he Sinds himself longing for a new life where no one knows his name. He just needs one last job to raise the money and Sinds one with a railroad agent in Wyoming -except a woman in blue on the train, and a shifty boss makes him doubt his plans. Emily Martin hopes helping her brother with his newspaper in Wylder will satisfy her need for independence, and give her a fresh start. Arriving in town, she instead Sinds herself short one brother, plus a handful of challenges instead. The mysterious gunman might be the ally she needs, but as a common enemy stirs to cause more trouble, Emily Sinds herself the target and it will take everything they both have to save the town and themselves.

A romance full of sizzling attractions, “Last Stop, Wylder” is all about the stolen moments between the sexy gunman and an independent reporter with a side of danger. Readers looking for a light meal and a hefty dose of

A Game of Hearts

Joanna Barker change everything. Recent scandal may make Tristan and Marigold’s relationship more complicated, but it also digs up some longhidden tension and attraction as well. As the competition approaches, boundaries are tested, hearts are on the line, and the prize might just be the last thing either Marigold or Tristan ever expected.

A delightful regency romance, where archery is the name of the game, Marigold and Tristan are an unlikely pair with a great deal of possibility bogged down in years of familiarity and misunderstanding. The story is set into motion with a mix of competitive spirit and stubbornness which is turned on its head when scandal threatens Marigold’s standing in society with only Tristan able to save her, which launches the romance. Although the romance has a predictable happy ending, it is in fact their rivalry which involves some clever twists. Readers will want to know, what will happen to Marigold’s society? Can Tristan save his friend’s business? How with the pair defeat the arrogant baron? Lovers of regency romance will want to read on to Sind out!

Sarah E Bradley

Marigold Cartwell has trained for years to conquer her competition on the archery Sield. Her only rival is family friend, Tristan Gates. Unfortunately, her success on the Sield wins her no favor with the local baron who runs the local bowmen’s society and refuses to allow her to join. Determined to prove her naysayers wrong, Marigold decides to start a new women-only society and challenge the baron and her rival at the Lady Patroness’ Meeting, an invitation only archery competition - except a simple rivalry goes sideways when a bet, a threat, an engagement, and a rockslide

Lula Mae (Love Train Book 4)

Charlene Raddon

Mae faces. There is plenty of action and external conSlict to engage readers. Domestic violence also plays a background role. The internal conSlict could have been stronger as there wasn’t much keeping Lula Mae and Gannon apart beyond general insecurities. Nonetheless, “Lula Mae” explodes with an exciting climax and closes with the kind of romance that leaves readers satisSied long after the story ends!

Tricia Hill

Lula Mae Rivers, muleskinner and whiz with a whip, has no trouble Sitting in a man’s world, particularly when she dresses the part. Playing the role of stowaway, though, is new. But Lula Mae is short on funds and desperate to get to Cheyenne to take her motherless niece to her grandmother. Union PaciSic detective and US Marshall Gannon Calloway is riding the train on the lookout for some train robbers. “Lou” is trouble of another kind. He doesn’t know what to make of the youth, but as the train travels West, Gannon recognizes the grit and spunk that he sees. It isn’t long before Lou’s secret is revealed, but it’s the even bigger secret she’s keeping that might derail any chance of a relationship with the handsome lawman. When her niece is kidnapped, Lula Mae and Gannon team up to Sind her. Can they rescue the little girl, or will they die trying?

"Lula Mae" is a sweet Western romance that starts with a bang and keeps readers hanging on for the ride! Lula Mae is a survivor who will do anything for her family, but her circle of trust is small. Gannon has a strong sense of justice that goes into protective mode when he realizes what Lula

Verity (Runaway Brides of the West – Book 8)

Krystal M. Anderson

Verity Dalloway is on her way to meet her soon-to-be husband as his mail-order bride. She envisions a wonderful life Silled with home and family. After taking the rail passage west as far as Salt Lake City, she has to switch to a stagecoach for the trip to Silver City, Idaho. Roscoe Hickson is also headed to Silver City to join his brother. When the stage is attacked by robbers, the driver and most of the passengers are killed, but Roscoe and Verity must work together to survive their ordeal. Will their circumstances bring them so close that Verity changes her mind about marrying the unknown Mr. White?

“Verity” is not your typical mailorder bride book; it’s so much more! The author has created a beautifully descriptive story that makes one feel as if they’re right there seeing exactly what the heroine is seeing, and experiencing what Verity and Roscoe are going through with their dangerous ordeal. While a bit elusive at Sirst, Roscoe turns out to be the quintessential Western hero, putting Verity’s needs and safety above his own, even when it means giving her up. She, in turn, is an extremely likeable and independent heroine. And, to her credit, someone who lives up to the bargain she made to marry Thurman White. It isn’t until they meet that Verity realizes Thurman is no Roscoe, and totally unsuitable for what she hoped for in a husband. Fortunately, a simple mix-up gives Verity and Roscoe another chance. Readers who are fans of sweet, historical romance, with a bit of danger and intrigue thrown in for good measure, are going to love this book!

N.E. Kelley

Lord Archer Catches a Contessa (Windermeres in Love – Book 2)

SoSie Darling another. While Archie’s talent as a composer is celebrated, the one area that Sirst drew him to Valentina, namely her beautiful voice, is given very little attention throughout the remainder of the story. The resolution to Valentina’s Sinancial losses is fun and interesting, and helps to move the book toward its resolution. The epilogue to the story provides a very satisfying conclusion for the characters. For lovers of steamy, Regency romps, this will be time well spent.

N.E. Kelley

Valentina Hart is on a quest to recover money stolen from her family and other residents of her small town, by an unscrupulous Lord. To get close to the culprit, she pretends to be a Contessa. When Viscount Archer (Archie) stumbles upon Valentina and hears her sing, he’s immediately drawn to her beautiful voice. Being a composer himself, he connects with her through their shared love of music. Once she reveals the story of the swindled money, Archie agrees to help her turn the table and cheat the thief. As the plot unfolds, they become friends and then, predictably, they fall in love.

“Lord Archer Catches a Contessa” is a well-written Regency romance with a fun storyline. There is a look at both the predictable side of London society in both setting and era, but also a bonus of seeing the seedier side. The many, many love scenes are steamy, and eventually, become more gratuitous than a vehicle for moving the story forward in any way. Because of this, the character development suffers. It’s more about sex than an actual development of feelings for one

Earl Grafton and the Traitor (Fernley Family A Regencyera Romance Book 1)

Angela Johnson the neighbor. She is horriSied when she learns the neighbor is none other than

Earl Grafton, the eldest of the Fernley brothers and the one person she detests above all! During her stay, Briar eliminates marrying each brother, convincing herself why they would not work as a match. Each time, Baxter, Earl Grafton is left as a choice, but he cannot be the one!

“Earl Grafton and the Traitor” is a delightful tale of extreme emotions between the main characters. Exquisitely crafted and detailed, one can see the characters and watch the scenes as they play out. Baxter’s brothers and his mother, as secondary characters, are enchanting, and each has their own story. The reader is given a peek into them throughout the story with more to be revealed in later stories. Baxter tends to be combative and yet close mouthed toward Briar, so Lady Fernley steps in to share the Fernley family lore with Briar. The friction between Baxter and Briar is as prickly as her name. Readers will be excited to know this novel is part of a series. An exhilarating romance, it keeps readers wanting more.

Belinda Wilson

Suddenly orphaned at the age of twenty, Briar Kensington is called to Yorkshire, England by her kind grandfather. It is quite a change from her native Boston. Briar meets the neighbor and things go poorly. He refuses to give his name and obviously distains Americans. At this point, Briar abhors him. Mr. Kensington, her grandfather, hopes Briar will make a match with one of the seven Fernley men. Mr. Kensington is urgently needed in France for the family business, and Briar is to stay behind with spouse with money. Gillian and her huntress friends are strong capable heroines who must Sit into societies expectations of women and Sight with the means they are allowed. A masterfully woven tale of an impossible love match historical romance fans won’t want to miss. The second book in this series can’t come soon enough.

Cara Cieslak

The Best Intentions (Book 1, The Huntresses)

Sarah M. Eden

Gillian Phelps has worked hard to keep her reputation intact, and her benefactress has too, ensuring she will be able to have a season with hopes of receiving a muchneeded marriage proposal. Scott Sarvol has inherited a mountain of debt from an uncle who seems to have set him up for failure. When Scott and Gillian Sind themselves at a house party together Scott ends up being the only one who can help Gillian in a moment of crisis. As they work together to save her benefactress’ ailing health, they begin to Sind a friendship and a romance that can never be. Gillian must marry someone with holdings and Scott needs a wealthy heiress.

What starts in a typical fashion with a house party turns into a wonderful story of star-crossed love. Gillian and Scott start not even as friends with neither trusting the other. But as they learn to rely on each other and develop a friendship and trust the tender beginnings of a romance are lit. Their friendship soon grows to a romance and those tender feelings become an inferno that cannot be ignored but must be banked and extinguished because they each must seek a

Tomboy of the Ton (MisBits of the Ton Book 1)

Emily Royal

reputation - at the cost of her own. Can there be a happy ending for Henrietta, or will her decisions cost her dearly?

This is the type of book to make one laugh and cry at the same time. Henrietta, as a tree climbing tomboy is relatable on every level, and her friendships are incredible. While set in the 1800’s, some of the language didn’t seem appropriate for the time period, and when Henrietta put aside all the bullying and torment from Giles to love him instead seems impossible when he barely makes any effort to gain her trust. There’s a nice twist when Henrietta and Giles break up, seeming realistic and true to real life. Henrietta saved Beatrice and Lady Thorpe at every turn, and Giles redeems himself some when he’s able to truly see her virtue, honor and courage. Overall, “Tomboy of the Ton” is an entertaining tale for readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers tales.

Amy Rubottom

Henrietta is a tomboy. She enjoys freedom, climbing trees, and antagonizing her neighbor, Giles Thorpe, an Earl. Henrietta befriends Giles’s mother, Lady Thorpe, but that becomes the downfall of her freedom. Once she is found out, she is sent to live with her aunt to prepare her for the season. She and Giles have a love-hate relationship which is a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, where Giles blames her at every turn for every mishap.

Henrietta befriends Giles cousin, Beatrice, who admires her adventurous spirit; however, things get even rockier for Henrietta and Giles when Beatrice elopes. Henrietta risks it all, and steps in to save Beatrice’s

Dubious About The Duke (Second Sons of London Book 2)

Alexa Aston

A shy, but dedicated, young woman volunteers to act as an impromptu governess to two unruly six-year-olds on a ducal estate. Seraphina Nicholls recently returned to England from Upper Canada to rejoin her newlywed twin sister, Araminta, now the Marquess of Kingston. Minta’s husband, Percy, is one of the Second Sons of London, a tightknit group of comrades who all happened to be second-in-line to their respective peerages. His dear friend and cousin, Winston Cutler, the Duke of Woodmont, desperately needs help to look after the two by-blow sons of his late elder brother. Sera and Win warm to each other at Sirst sight. When Win turns to his friends Percy and Minta for advice regarding his difSicult wards, Sera takes charge with an alacrity that astounds her twin.

Jane Austen meets The Sound of Music! The opening drags with the manufactured ambiguity of Sera and Win being amicably matched but hampered by her own lack of self-conSidence and his insistence on seeking a traditional loveless marriage while keeping multiple mistresses for his own personal pleasures. The two children, Freddie and Charlie, inject much needed humor and fun when they are introduced midway. They are quite adorable, and one wonders if it is necessary to refer to them as by-blows and bastards quite so repeatedly. Just as Sera succeeds in winning over his nephews, Win realizes that he has changed his mind and he wants nothing less than Sera as his Duchess and only love. But is he too late to stop Sera from Sleeing in heartbroken angst? An easily likable period romance with a happy ending!

Joan Lai

make choices that may not be the typical path for a Viking but are the perfect path for him. The chemistry between Rhiannon and Leif is palpable from the start, and each time they are thrown together the embers burn brighter and stronger. A unique romance with the perfect amount of Viking history and lore.

Cara Cieslak

The Call of the Sea

Sian Ann Bessey

Rhiannon has always loved the sea and seeks comfort from it daily. On the day she is to meet her betrothed Viking ships land on her shores and in a violent raid her home is plundered, and her father killed. She seeks refuge with her family in the royal court. Leif is a Viking and the son of the Viking chief. He is expected to participate in the raids. But when he witnesses the brutal death of Rhiannon’s father his heart is turned from that life. He seeks forgiveness and through the teachings of an Irish priest learns how he can be forgiven. When an unexpected political plot draws the Vikings into the politics of Rhiannon’s Cymry people Leif and Rhiannon are thrown together again and again. But their growing attraction can mean nothing as they come from two opposite worlds, unless they can Sind a way to make those worlds exist in harmony.

Filled with intriguing Viking adventures, this story’s twists and turns are as wild as the stormy sea. The character development is terriSic as Rhiannon is forced to take control of her life and carve a new path for herself after her father’s death and Leif learns to

The Marquess’s Stolen Bride (Dukes Gone Dirty Book 3)

Bella Moxie

Madeline has spent her life locked away in a tower. The Marquess of Hayden falls through the tower window on a drunken quest to see if the rumors are true, and Sinds the lost bastard daughter of a mad Earl. Before Hayden literally falls into her life, Madeline was the victim of abuse and an auction, arranged by Foley and Lady Ashburn, her father’s wife, where greedy men ogled and pawed at her. Hayden showers Madeline with love, care, and affection, and tries to bring her out of her secluded shell, while Foley, in league with Lady Ashburn, do everything they can to ruin Madeline’s new happiness. Will this pair have a happy